Barbados

Barbados Medical Tourism

Barbados medical tourism offers dialysis, open heart surgery, a decompression chamber and much more:

Barbados is rich in scenic beauty which makes it a photographer's dream come true with an abundance of natural wonders, breathtaking scenic views, gorgeous gardens and miles of white, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and almost year round sunshine. 
With the Atlantic on its East Coast and the Caribbean Sea on its West Coast each coastline differs and as a result the island has a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from. Depending on your mood you can enjoy the tranquil warm waters of the west coast or the rugged surf of the east coast.
The island is also full of historical appeal and boasts a diverse culture due to the fusion of its British and African influences.

Barbadians or bajans are a very friendly, quick-witted and fun-loving people who welcome visitors to the island with warmth that is second to none in the Caribbean.

Barbados Medical Tourism Fame

Barbados is fast becoming a medical tourism destination and is recognized as having the most modern medical facilities in the Eastern Caribbean, including a dialysis center, facilities for open heart surgery and a decompression chamber.

Full medical services are provided at the 600 bed Government owned Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The privately run Bayview Hospital, the several public polyclinics, health centers and nursing homes all ensure that the island’s medical needs are facilitated.  In addition the FMH Clinic and the more recent Sandy Crest Clinic in St. James, both privately run, provide accident and emergency medical services.

Language

The official language of Barbados is English although a bajan dialect (broken English) is commonly used amongst locals.

Climate

Barbados has a dry season from December to May which is not unbearably hot and a rainy season from June to November. Influenced by North East Trade Winds the island’s sub tropical temperatures range from 28 – 31 degrees Celsius.

Visa / Entrance Requirements

Depending on the reason for your visit and your country of citizenship will determine your visa requirements for entry into Barbados.

The responsibility of issuing all visas to non-nationals for the purpose of entry into the country falls on the Immigration Department of Barbados

Any of Barbados’ missions and consulates stationed overseas. (High Commissions/Embassies) can also issue Tourist visas.

Citizens of the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, CARICOM member states and selected Commonwealth countries do not require a VISA for entry into Barbados and maybe granted up to 6 months stay without one.
All persons entering Barbados need to possess a valid passport for six months (recommended) or more (or must be valid for at least 90 days after your departure date). Visitors also need to provide a valid return ticket or airline onward, and a valid visa if required of your country of citizenship for entry. Proof of where you are staying is also necessary for entry.

Airlines

Daily Scheduled services

• Air Canada
• Air Jamaica
• American Airlines
• British Airways

Regular Scheduled services

• Aeropostal (Venezuela)
• Suriname Airways
• Virgin Atlantic Airways

Charter services

• Air 2000 Ltd. (United Kingdom)
• Airtours International (United Kingdom)
• Britannia Airways (United Kingdom)
• Royal Airlines (Canada)
• Sky Service (Canada)
• Canada 3000 (Canada)
• Airlines Ltd., (Canada)
• LTU International Airways (Germany)
• Condor (Germany)
• Miami Air (USA)
• Premiair (Scandinavian countries)
• Lauda Air (Italy)

Hotels

Barbados’ range of accommodations means that there is a place for everyone and every budget on the island: Luxury 4 and 5-Star hotels and resorts, all inclusive hotels, villas and condos to the more economical self contained apartments, guest houses and beach houses as well as bed & breakfast and home accommodations.

Currency

The currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BDS) (BBD) The exchange rate is – US$1.00 =  BDS$1.98 (Stable)

Emergency Telephone Numbers

The CANADIAN High Commission (Canada)
Phone: +1 (246) 429 3550
Fax: +1 (246) 437 3780

High Commission of (UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN) (UK) (British)
Phone: +1 (246) 430-7800
Fax: (246) 430 7860

The Embassy of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) (American)
Phone: +1 (246) 227-4000 / 227 4399  
Fax: +1 (246) 227 4088 / 431 0179

Sightseeing

Barbados is an island full of scenic beauty with an abundance of natural wonders including beautiful gardens, miles of white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenic views.
The island is full of historical appeal so you'll appreciate the impressive collection of great houses, old churches and traditional bajan chattel houses some of which date back to the 16th century.
Historic Bridgetown, the over 375 year old capital of Barbados, is located by the picturesque careenage with its colorful fishing boats, catamarans and splendid yachts.
Caves, indigenous wildlife, tropical plants, flowers and dramatic landscapes will appeal to the nature lovers.

Shopping

Duty Free shopping is available in certain shops so look for Duty Free signage. Visitors need to produce travel documents i.e passport and airline ticket to purchase duty free items. Some items maybe collected over the counter while others including spirits, cigarettes, video games etc can only be collected from the airport on departure.
Barbados is filled with talented artisans and local crafts include mahogany carvings, basketry, paintings and pottery.